Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 17, 2024
New Research Reveals High Rate of Benzodiazepine Prescriptions Among Older Stroke Survivors
Discuss on Reddit
Substack
GithubTLDR
- Stroke survivors prescribed benzodiazepines may face increased supply risks, potentially leading to long-term use and dependence.
- Researchers analyzed 10 years of first-time benzodiazepine prescriptions for stroke survivors ages 65 and older, revealing patterns of potential oversupply.
- Increased awareness and improved recommendations about the risks of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors are needed to provide better care and outcomes.
- Prescription rates for benzodiazepines were higher in women and in the Southeast region of the U.S., with an overall modest nationwide decline over 10 years.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it highlights the potential risks of benzodiazepine prescriptions for older stroke survivors, including an increased risk of falls, broken bones, memory problems, confusion, and other harmful effects. It also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and improving recommendations about the risks of these medications for this vulnerable population.
Summary
Research published in Stroke reveals that 5% of stroke survivors ages 65 and older were prescribed benzodiazepines within 90 days after having an ischemic stroke. More than half of the new prescriptions were for a supply of 15 to 30 days, and women were more likely than men to receive an initial prescription. The study also found that older adults are vulnerable to overprescribing and adverse outcomes.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on this press release disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the source press release here, New Research Reveals High Rate of Benzodiazepine Prescriptions Among Older Stroke Survivors
